The Green Bay Packers and their defensive line can sigh a sigh of relief.
The Detroit Lions aren't going to be getting back center Frank Ragnow for a few weeks, per ESPN's Adam Schefter, after he shocked the Lions fanbase by un-retiring. The 29 year old All-Pro center is returning amid injuries to Christian Mahogany and now Graham Glasgow, adding pop to a line that has struggled since he departed the team this offseason.
But, why can't Ragnow play? NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport shared that Ragnow is ready to go sooner rather than later, despite being out of the game for a few months. A ramp-up period is obviously expected for anyone in that position, and especially for such a physical position like at center.
Ragnow has his hands tied. He wouldn't be able to suit up for the Lions' Thanksgiving day game against the Packers as he has to ramp back up into action, and has to likely form some chemistry again with Jared Goff. However, it's sure to be an immediate improvement upon what was always shaky play from Graham Glasgow at center.
Additionally, a change at offensive coordinator from Ben Johnson to, now, Dan Campbell, is something Ragnow has to get used to.
For now, it seems like Trystan Colon or Kingsley Eguakun will be stepping in at center against Green Bay on Thanksgiving.
When is Frank Ragnow expected to return to action?
Ragnow will be back for a key game regardless of his unavailability for Week 13. The Lions play the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Rams, and Minnesota Vikings in three of their next five games after Thanksgiving. Those are key NFC bouts that can help make or break their postseason chances - especially their Week 17 game against Minnesota on Christmas.
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According to Schefter, Ragnow will likely be back for Week 15 against Matthew Stafford and the top-seeded Rams. Los Angeles has been the far and away obvious Super Bowl favorite since the beginning of the season, and Detroit has a shot to at least give them a run for their money if Ragnow's insertion back into the lineup does wonders for their current pass protection woes.
Once Glasgow, who is out with an injury, returns for the Lions, we're looking at a much more solid guard-center-guard plan from Detroit than what they started with in Week 1. Ragnow will return to fix the problem he inadvertantly created by retiring, but we need to be a bit patient.